Quick Challenge Answer: You Are Only A Christian Because You Were Born In America

Last week’s quick challenge question was:

“You were born in America, so of course you are a Christian. If you had been born in India, you would have been a Hindu or Muslim. You’re only a Christian because of where you were born”.

This question commits what is known as a genetic fallacy.  It attempts to disprove or discredit a claim by explaining where the claim originated.  Notice that simply pointing out that a belief about the truth of Christianity originated in America does not mean the claim itself is false.  Christianity is growing rapidly in the East, Africa and Middle East. Ravi Zacharias, one of the most respected defenders of Christianity, was born in India and converted to Christianity. The religion itself began in Israel, and spread throughout the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia and Europe before being imported to the Americas.  While there are many “Cultural Christians” that identify with the religion because it is convenient or a family tradition, this doesn’t mean that all adherents do so.  There are many Christians such as me that became believers due to a study of the evidence, and not simply our geographic location.

Be sure to look for our next quick challenge question that will be posted later today.  If you have ever been challenged with a question that you think would make a good quick challenge, you can email it to me at [email protected].  If you would like your question to remain anonymous, please indicate this in the email.